Zac Mooney: From Apprentice to Industry Voice at Powering Futures

As a Modern Apprentice, Zac Mooney is learning and shaping the discussion on Scotland’s sustainability.

Recently, he took the stage at Powering Futures, a collaborative event with PwC in Edinburgh where industry leaders, students, and school pupils came together to explore how the next generation can drive sustainable economic growth.

Zac was invited to join a panel discussion following his impressive performance in a Scottish Water Net Zero challenge. As part of the challenge, Zac and his team developed an innovative idea to monitor household water use in properties without metres – a valuable exercise in creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box.

At Powering Futures, Zac shared his journey as a Modern Apprentice, offering insights into navigating the industry at an early career stage. He tackled key challenges such as adapting to the post-COVID workplace, where remote working has made relationship-building trickier, and highlighted the power of mentorship and hands-on experience in helping young people transition into the workforce.

Zac said:“ Speaking at Powering Futures was a fantastic experience. It’s not every day you get to sit alongside industry leaders and share your journey. Being able to talk about the challenges of starting out in the industry – and hopefully offering some useful advice – was really rewarding. The discussions reinforced how important it is to give young people real opportunities, and I came away with fresh insights from the other panelists and attendees.” 

A bright future ahead

This marks another milestone in Zac’s impressive journey. In just a short time, he has made significant strides in renewable energy and was a double award winner at last year’s Scotland and UK Pipeline Industry Guild Presentation Awards.

Gillian McFarlane, Technical and Vocational Skills Academy Manager with Scottish Water, said: “Zac’s journey is an incredible example of what’s possible when young talent is given the right opportunities to grow. From the Powering Futures challenge to speaking on stage, he’s proving that the next generation has bold ideas and the drive to make them happen. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved so far, and we know there’s more to come.”

Beyond sharing his story, Zac gained valuable personal development – building confidence in public speaking and learning from industry leaders and peers.

Events like Powering Futures go beyond discussion – they’re about collaboration, problem-solving, and action. By connecting young people with businesses, they help align Scotland’s future workforce with the careers needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.